Review of The Ice Storm (1997) by I Don't Know W — 24 Oct 2011

I've finally gotten a chance to see The Ice Storm and I have to say it was a great film. It seems similar to American Beauty and in some ways inferior to it, but the authenticity and performances much superior. It's hard to imagine Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci and Katie Holmes all packed in to one indie drama, but it works. Each one of them, particularly Allen, Weaver (and I might as well say Kline, Wood and Ricci) stand out.

It's a story and study of an american family in a time of change during the 70's. Ang Lee who would seem to be a complete foreigner to this idea nails it on its head. The characters are what drive this story and there's not a single scene where that isn't true - not one frame goes by without there being a star or future star in the picture. The film is a true masterpiece with disturbing elements and imagery.